back talk

noun

: impudent, insolent, or argumentative replies

Examples of back talk in a Sentence

Don't give me any back talk! his mother sent him to his room because of his constant back talk
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Look at what tribal has become: In recent years, Probst encourages paranoia and back talk, frantic whisper sessions and utter confusion. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 May 2024 Don't have any back talk or anything like that. Abc News, ABC News, 26 July 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of back talk was in 1832

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Back talk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/back%20talk. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

back talk

noun
: a rude or quarrelsome reply
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